Highlights of the Event
Strategic Context and Local Insights: Villena’s Mayor, Fulgencio José Cerdán Barceló, along with Javier Martínez González the city’s Councillor for Infrastructure and Industry together, with local stakeholders framed the city’s unique geographical and logistical strengths. Once an agricultural hub, Villena has evolved into a strategic logistics node, leveraging its connectivity with ports, railways, and highways. Local leaders emphasized the city’s commitment to sustainable urban planning, including traffic calming measures, expanded pedestrian areas, and investments in renewable energy infrastructure. Plans for a dry port in Villena were highlighted as critical for supporting business growth and competitiveness while leveraging the city’s strategic location.
Atlantica Agrícola Site Visit: Participants toured Atlantica Agrícola, a Villena-based leader in producing agricultural biostimulants, fertilizers, and crop protection solutions. The company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture aligns with global goals for reducing chemical dependency in farming and promoting eco-friendly solutions. Atlantica’s expanding operations emphasize innovation in bio-based products that increase crop yield while safeguarding the environment.
The proposed dry port development was highlighted as a key enabler for Atlantica Agrícola’s growth and competitiveness. By providing improved logistics and freight handling capabilities, the dry port would enhance the company’s access to global markets and strengthen its supply chain. Such infrastructure is vital for the scalability of Atlantica’s operations and for positioning Villena as a hub for sustainable agribusiness.
Masterclass on Smart and Green Industrial Zones: Delivered by ad hoc expert Jose Costero, the masterclass addressed the transformation of industrial areas into hubs of sustainability and innovation. Best practices from regions like Denmark (Kalundborg Eco-Industrial Park) and Spain (Málaga Green Logistics Park) were presented, illustrating how industrial symbiosis, renewable energy use, and circular economy principles can drive green transitions.
Participants explored tools and frameworks, such as the Interreg GreenIndustrialParks project, and engaged in practical exercises to identify intervention areas, the role of local governments, and strategies for implementing Integrated Action Plans. The session also asked participants to reflect on stakeholder collaboration, financing mechanisms, and policy integration.
Challenge Based workshops: The meeting included a challenge based workshop which provided an opportunity for participants to explore both the challenges and opportunities around the development of green industrial zones. Challenges reflected upon included those related to gaining public and private consensus for Villena’s dry port development—a project expected to generate 5,000 jobs and boost local and regional economic activity.
Attendees discussed strategies to enhance citizen trust and promote project benefits, such as quality-of-life improvements and sustainability gains.
Sustainability emerged as a central theme, with discussions on integrating solar energy, electrifying mobility systems, and fostering industrial symbiosis among companies. The need for transparent communication and early stakeholder engagement was underscored.
Local Projects and Innovations: Several local projects showcased Villena’s commitment to sustainability. These included the “Integrados” green material initiative, the IES Navarro Santafé Smart Hives Project, and bio-commerce ventures. These initiatives highlight the city’s efforts to marry ecological goals with economic opportunities.
Participants left with actionable insights, practical tools, and strengthened networks to foster green and smart urban growth across Europe. Villena’s role as a case study and hub for sustainable development positions it as a beacon for other small cities striving to balance growth with environmental stewardship.
The EcoCore meeting underscored Villena’s potential as a model for sustainable urban and industrial development. The dry port project, in particular, emerged as a cornerstone for regional growth, supporting businesses like Atlantica Agrícola and cementing Villena’s position as a logistics and sustainability leader. With actionable insights and strengthened partnerships, the event set the stage for advancing green and smart development across Europe.
